WBS & Housing Co-ops: Tenant Guide Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how to prove eligibility with a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) or when applying to a housing cooperative. This guide clearly explains which documents are required, how to create a checklist and which deadlines to observe. I describe step by step the typical proofs (income, household size, registration certificate), name official forms and show when there is an entitlement to social housing. You will also receive practical tips on submitting documents, conduct at viewing appointments and contacting landlords or authorities. This helps to prepare applications more securely and successfully. I also explain how tenant protection, objections to rejections and the role of the local court in disputes work so that you can make informed decisions.

WBS and housing co-ops: what tenants need to know

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is proof that you meet the requirements for subsidized housing. The legal basis for tenancy law can be found in §§ 535–580a of the German Civil Code (BGB)^[1], while the promotion and requirements for the WBS are regulated in the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)^[2]. In disputes about housing allocation or termination, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; higher instances are the regional court and possibly the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3].

Which documents are typically required?

• Proof of income (Einkommensnachweis) — recent payslips or benefit notices.
• Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) — proof of household size and address.
• Application checklist (form) — fully completed cooperative or municipal application form.
• Deadlines (deadline) — observe application and submission deadlines.
• Contact details (contact) — phone and email for queries.

Official forms and examples

Important forms include, for example, the application for issuance of a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS application) and the application form of the respective cooperative. The WBS application is usually submitted to the municipal housing authority; for example: state your gross income for the last 12 months in the application, attach payslips and declare your household size. If a cooperative requires its own form, complete it fully and attach the required evidence.

FAQ

What is the difference between WBS and a cooperative application?

The WBS is a state certificate for allocation of subsidized housing; a cooperative application is an internal process of the housing cooperative for the allocation of shares or apartments.

Do I always have to disclose my full income in the WBS application?

Yes, complete income information is usually required so that it can be checked whether you meet the income limits.

What can I do if my application is rejected?

Check the reasons for rejection, request a written justification and, if necessary, file an objection or a lawsuit with the competent local court within the deadline.

How-To

1. Gather documents: collect payslips, registration certificate and ID and create a checklist.
2. Fill out forms: complete the WBS application and the cooperative form fully and sign where required.
3. Observe deadlines: submit documents within the stated deadlines and note return dates.
4. Viewings and appointments: confirm appointments in good time and bring copies of your key documents.
5. Follow up: politely inquire about processing status and document calls and emails.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §535ff Tenancy - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de

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1. [1] BGB §535ff Tenancy - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Information on courts and jurisdictions - justiz.de